Explorer - 16 Days from $3920

England - France - Italy - Vatican City - Greece

Magical lands beckon you to explore their treasures! Discover some of the most famous landmarks in London and Paris, and ancient ruins of Rome. Relax on fabulous French Riviera beaches and cruise azure waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas for a grand finale in Sunny Greece. Let this be your year for adventure.

Optional Activities & Excursions Offered on Your Trip.

Have it your way and personalize your trip by adding fun, optional activities. These activities are not included in your land package price to allow free time for those who want to explore on their own. Rates have been specially negotiated with the suppliers and will include transportation to and from the event, where applicable. All options are based on a minimum number of travelers participating. Rates listed are approximate rates in US$ and are subject to change. Contact your tour director upon arrival overseas to book and pay for your options. Payment to tour director in cash in local currency.

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Optional French Cabaret in Paris

$165

Since 1889 the cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge is recognized world-wide because of its famous French can-can, immortalized by artist Toulouse-Lautrec.The above cost includes transfers by taxi, metro and/or motor coach, entrance to the “Féerie” show at 11:00pm, and one glass of champagne.

Optional excursion to Cannes & Monte Carlo

$159

Nothing sums up the glamour of Monte Carlo more than the harbor, filled with expensive yachts and celebrities. Sun seekers bask in the sun at Plages du Larvotto with plenty in the way of fun water sports. See the legendary Monte Carlo casino, designed by French architect Jules Touzet. Cannes displays luxury yachts along its waterfront and has streets lined with equally luxurious like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. During some free time, the town known for the International Film Festival (May) has you visiting the historical Le Suquet neighborhood. Shop for designer clothes at fashionable Rue d'Antibes or people watch at the seaside promenade "La Croisette."
The above cost includes round-trip motor coach to both Cannes and Monte Carlo including a lunch en route.

Watersports - cost depending on activity booked

$0

Enjoy watersport activities just a few steps away from the hotel on the Greek Island of Poros. From banana boats to wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing and parasailing - there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Cost for watersport options will depend on the type of option you select. Book directly through your tour director on Poros Island.

Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey: These familiar names become familiar places on our morning tour of London. During an afternoon at leisure, browse the many food, craft and clothing stalls at popular Camden Market, walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter at Leadenhall Market aka Diagon Alley or take a ride on the London Eye for a birds-eye view of the city and the opportunity to take great photographs. After dusk, consider taking in some Shakespeare at the Globe Theater by the Thames River or attending a West End show.

Travel through the “Chunnel” below the English Channel to Paris. Our local art historian shows us the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood. Tonight, dine on French specialties at our bistro dinner. Afterward, we take a romantic cruise down the river Seine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

English Channel Eurostar train

Tour of Paris guided by a local historian

See the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and more

Enjoy a free day in Paris today. You can opt to join your tour director for a visit to a French perfumery and museum this morning. Afterwards consider visiting the Palace of Versailles, Louis XIV’s residence. The included museum pass gives you access to the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Grand Chambers. Marvel at the sheer size of the palace, one of the most beautiful castles in the world with an astonishing 700 rooms. Later check out another one of the 70 museums and monuments included in your pass in and around Paris, such as the world famous Louvre, housing the Mona Lisa, Musée d’Orsay and Musée National Picasso. Your Paris travel card will provide unlimited public transportation throughout the city. This evening you may consider seeing a can-can cabaret show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

Paris travel card with unlimited access to public transportation system

Paris museum pass

Optional activity:

Optional visit and tour of the Fragonard perfumery & museum

French cabaret show

This morning, the TGV high-speed train takes us from Paris to Nice, queen resort of the Côte d’Azur. Enjoy your free afternoon on picturesque beaches along the Mediterranean coastline, stroll promenades lined with chic boutiques, or unwind at a sidewalk café. The thriving local art scene and buzzing nightlife is yours to discover after tonight’s brasserie dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

High-speed train to Nice

See Promenade d’Anglais, Place Macena and more

French brasserie dinner

Enjoy a free day on the dazzling French Riviera. Relax on the beach, paddle in the azure sea, or sip on a smooth cocktail beneath swaying palms. Consider exploring Nice to visit the magnificent Palais Lascaris, the Cathédrale de Sainte Réparate and harbors filled with opulent yachts. Or, you may opt to join our excursion to Monaco, where Prince Rainier married Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, and glitzy Cannes, known for its famous International Film Festival.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

See the French Riviera beaches & promenades

Optional activity:

Excursion to Monte Carlo & Cannes (not offered during Grand Prix)

Our journey takes us along the scenic Côte d’Azur’s sun-splashed beaches. We cross the border into Italy and arrive in Pisa with its stunning Piazza dei Miracoli. Take time to admire the Baptistery, the Cathedral, and take selfies in front of the famous Leaning Tower. Now, immerse yourself in the magic of Tuscany. Travel along rolling hills of olive groves and vineyards crowned by castles and ancient abbeys. Renaissance culture is around every corner with hilltop towns unchanged from the Middle Ages. This region is also known for its fabulous farm-to-table agritourism. Enjoy our Chianti wine and olive oil tasting and then savor regional dishes featuring produce and wines direct from the local farms at our Tuscan feast.

This morning we continue our travels south to the capital of Italy. Get ready to soak up Rome’s dolce vita lifestyle as we explore the city’s picturesque streets and piazzas with our local historian. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum or Caesar’s Roman Forum remind us of the city’s golden age as the capital of the world. Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica towering over the square, and colossal cathedrals throughout the city, tells stories of its history as seat of the Catholic Church.Use your included Roma pass to visit the Colosseum (reservations required) and take advantage of the included unlimited use of public transportation.

A free day in Rome may find you exploring Piazza Navona, climbing the famous Spanish Steps and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. Try numerous flavors of the fabulous gelato ice cream or find yourself window-dreaming on Via dei Condotti, one of Rome’s fashionable shopping streets. This evening, we cross the Tiber River to Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods, for our fun Italian Pizza Party. Toppings range from a simple drizzle of olive oil, rosemary and salt, to mushrooms, prosciutto ham and artichokes. Buon appetito!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

See Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and more

Special access and discounts with Roma pass

Unlimited access to local transportation with Roma pass

Pizza Party in Trastevere

Sunny olive groves line the way south to Pompeii. Under the shadow of Vesuvius, the volcano that buried this ancient city in 79 A.D., explore the excavated wonders including homes, markets and temples that remain intact, and streets that still bear the marks of chariot wheels from 2,000 years ago. Afterwards, we cross the Italian “boot” and board our overnight ship to Greece.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

Tour of the Pompeii excavations guided by a local historian

Personal audio headset

Scenic overnight ship from Italy to Greece

After cruising through aquamarine waters, our ship docks at Patras. Motor along the Corinthian Sea across the Peloponnese to Galatas and the island of Poros. Relax and unwind with three days of living like a Greek god or goddess. Enjoy a welcome drink at the pool bar before exploring this idyllic island.

Today is free to enjoy at your leisure. Go for a swim, bask in the golden sun, or take part in optional watersports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, banana-boating or tubing. Dancing like Zorba at a local tavern is always a must-do evening activity.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

Explore the white-washed village center of Poros

Traditional Greek dinner

Beach and pool

Optional activity:

Water sports

Poros old town center has great shopping or the more adventurous can venture to the 6th-century BC ruins of Poseidon’s Temple on the island’s highest peak. Bicycles will be provided today, which offer an opportunity to further explore the island. Tonight, we invite everyone to our fun toga party.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

Bike rental on the Isle of Poros

Beach and pool

Greek BBQ dinner

Greek toga party

In the morning we board our hydrofoil to Athens. See the 2,400-year-old Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square. A free afternoon may find us wandering the paths of Plato, Socrates and Sophocles or trying our bargaining skills at the markets of Monastiraki. This evening follow the sounds of traditional bouzouki music and join our farewell taverna dinner in the Plaka District – Athens’ oldest neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

Flying Dolphin hydrofoil from Poros to Athens

Tour of Athens guided by a local historian

Acropolis admission

Greek tavern farewell dinner

Greek music and dancing

Reluctantly we say farewell to Europe and new-found friends. Jet back home with thoughts of planning your next adventure!

Meals: Breakfast, In-flight

Inclusions:

Transfer from hotel to airport included with purchased AESU group airfare

The best way to see the Europe is by private deluxe motor coach. Door-to-door service with all the spectacular scenery in between. Our modern fleet of Mercedes, Volvos (or comparable) coaches for continental Europe are air- conditioned for your comfort. Enjoy deep-cushioned reclining lounge chairs, wide panoramic picture windows and a built-in stereophonic sound system. Our drivers are picked for their experience, skill, dependability and personality. Travelers to other exotic destinations enjoy modern mini vans or motor coaches for the transfers between each location while safari guests are transported in 4 x 4 land cruisers.

Many programs also include the fun of travel by ship from Italy to Greece or along the Rhine River, sleek trains or cable cars, private sailing yachts in the Greek Isles, bicycles in Holland, and jeeps in Dubai, just for the fun of it.

Special Destination Tours
The majority of transportation on other programs is also by private deluxe motor coach unless stated otherwise in the respective itinerary ( i.e.: mini vans in Costa Rica). Please see each tour page for exact details.

Luxury motor coach for European tours
Enjoy your journey with a professional driver at the wheel. Enjoy the scenery and view mountains and valleys, cities and villages through panoramic windows. Our luxury, air-conditioned motor coaches provide you with stylish and comfortable seats.

Eurostar train and high-speed intercity trains
Eurostar is the high-speed rail service directly linking the UK to France via the Channel Tunnel. It started operating in 1994, providing city center to city center services. Eurostar departs from London's St. Pancras Station. Fast journey times London-Paris in 2 hours 15 minutes. Journey from Paris to Nice on a TGV high-speed train in just over 5 hours. Enjoy air-conditioning and modern seats as you pass through the French countryside at up to 200 miles per hour. Other intercity trains in Europe travel at speeds of up to 125 mph featuring individual seating or in groups of four sharing a table.Travel by rail in Europe is efficient and fun.

Overnight cruise Italy – Greece
Greek ferries are used to travel from southern Italy to Greece. Departures are from Bari and Brindisi, Italy. Normal accommodations are 4-share on all vessels. Sea travel is fun and ships have amenities to make certain that you have a great time starting the moment you step on board including swimming pools, discos, bars and casinos.

Dubai land cruisers & coaches
Desert Safari includes off- road driving in the Dubai desert. The drivers are qualified to operate the 4x4 vehicles in the desert. These cars are air-conditioned and safety features include seat belts and roll bars. Six passengers can be carried per vehicle plus the driver. Off-road driving can be rather bumpy and is often compared to roller-coaster rides. Advise your tour director accordingly if you do not wish to participate in the dune bashing. Ground transportation for the city tour and city transfers are by luxury air-conditioned motor coach. Dinner cruise by Arabian ‘dhow.'

Central America & other exotic destinations - mini vans
Traveling by bus is one of the best ways to get around in these locations. Depending on group size, you will travel by mini-van or motor coach. Both are comfortable and safe means of transportation with local expert drivers. All vehicles are air-conditioned.

What to do during your free time? For more details or current local events talk to your tour director or your local city guide. They are always the best source for free-time activities and offer great tips on restaurants or local hang-outs.

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Meals

Traveling on this trip will introduce you to some native cuisine, including local specialties.

Hotels

We stay in superior tourist class hotels, all with private bath/shower in 2-share rooms. Our hotels have been specially selected for their European atmosphere, friendly hospitality, and cleanliness. Our hotels are centrally located or within a short walk of public transportation to take you to the landmark of your choice in the city you are visiting. (Why stay in remote cabins, hostels, or share your room with up to 6 people, when you can stay in a centrally located hotel?)

You'll be given a complete hotel address list with your final documents. Properties are subject to change and any substitutions would be the equivalent of those listed. *Single supplement only applies if single accommodations are requested. Independent hotel reservations, special tours and FIT tours always apply a single supplement. Please check your itinerary.

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ST. GILES HOTEL, London

St. Giles Hotel Central London is centrally located in Bloomsbury near the junction of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street, Rooms are well furnished with modern amenities such as TV, hairdryer, voicemail, telephone, safe and radio. WiFi is available at additional cost.

KYRIAD BERCY HOTEL, Paris

Nature-lovers staying here will enjoy walking in Bercy Park with its four gardens and the village Cour Saint-Emilion, which offers a large choice of restaurants, cafes, shops, and cinemas. Kyriad Paris Bercy Village consists of modern bedrooms, all air conditioned and inclusive of free Wi-Fi access and a TV with Canal+ and Canal Satellite packages. All rooms have been renovated and are equipped with double-glazing. A courtesy tray including coffee, tea, chocolate, biscuits, and cakes is offered upon arrival. All room types are fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, sink, WC, welcoming products, towels, and hair dryer.

HOTEL MONSIGNY ANNEXE, Nice

Located in the Liberation neighborhood, Hôtel Monsigny features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property.Every room is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Each room includes a private bathroom with a supply of toiletries and a hairdryer.

VILLA VIGNA MAGGIO FARMHOUSE, Greve in Chianti

Laying on the hills where the Greve River arises and splits, set among cypresses and streams, Vignamaggio offers top quality accommodation with rooms, apartments and suites in the farmhouses and Renaissance villa.The ancient farmhouses Casolese and Cenobio are situated few steps from the main villa, the heart of the estate and a Renaissance treasure chest, built around a romantic internal courtyard and surrounded by splendid Italian gardens in the spaces between the forest and rows of cypresses.

DOMUS SESSORIANA, Rome

The Domus Sessoriana is a 3 star hotel in Rome derived from the ancient monastery adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme . Unique in its kind, this hotel combines the charm of history that runs through it with the functionality of a hotel.

OVERNIGHT FERRY, Italy-Greece

Superfast Ferries, the youngest and fastest ferry fleet, welcomes you on board for an unforgettable traveling experience. While most of our groups travel on Superfast Ferries from Bari to Patras on their way from Italy to Greece, it is possible that due to scheduling issues or availability, vessels such as Maritime Way will be used from Bari or Brindisi. 4-share accommodations on all vessels.

POROS IMAGE HOTEL, Poros

Xenia Poros Image Hotel is located on the picturesque beach of Neorio, just minutes away from Poros town. All the air-conditioned rooms have a balcony, free WiFi, hairdryer, cable-TV, radio, telephone, a comfortable seating area and a safe. There is a full-service restaurant, elegant “Green” bar and a beach bar.

HOTEL ARION, Athens

The Arion Hotel is located within walking distance of Monastiraki Metro station and the Plaka area. This is a smoke-free hotel and has a 24-hour front desk and a computer station. WiFi is free in the common areas.

If you purchase your own airfare, book your overnight flight from the USA one day earlier than the tour start date listed above.

* Price per person based on a twin share room. If you're traveling alone, AESU will arrange for you to share a twin at NO EXTRA COST. If you prefer a single room, a single supplement of $1050 will apply. Single accommodations are not available on the overnight ship from Italy to Greece.

AIRFARE

Gateway Cities

Fly into London, return from Athens.

Airfare is not included in land price. If you choose to book air with AESU, after receipt of your land booking, AESU will email you a quote with your tour confirmation invoice. You will have 72 hours to accept or decline airfare. (Or call AESU at 800-638-7640 for a quote prior to booking).

Book Airfare with AESU - FREE Airport Transfers

Purchase your airfare from AESU and receive free arrival/departure transfers between the airport to your hotels. We also try to book you on the same flights as others traveling on your tour. Land only participants BOOKING OWN FLIGHT OVERSEAS, DO NOT receive airport arrival/departure transfers. If you book land only with us, book your flights from the USA one day earlier than the tour start date. If you are not booking flights through AESU, we recommend not booking airfare until your tour is guaranteed (This will be noted on website with “guaranteed” next to tour start date).

Click on a date above to get a quote or make a reservation. You can make your $500 deposit ONLINE to confirm your space on the land tour. Full payment isn't due until 90 days before departure, and you or friends and family can make partial payments after you've booked (See NOTE below if within 90 days). Or you can scan/email or fax a booking form.

If you just want a quote and don’t want to secure a spot on the land program, select date above and click "Get a Quote" button on next page.

NOTE: Reservations to be paid in full 90 days prior to departure. Reservations received after this date are subject to availability and any airfare quote can only be held for 72 hours. Payment in full, for late reservations, will be due upon receipt of invoice from AESU. A late booking fee of $100 per person will apply.

All prices reflect a cash discount (For full payment by credit card, there is a 4% processing fee.) See invoice for payment details. FINAL PAYMENTS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE. SEND CREDIT CARD FORM ON LAST PAGE OF INVOICE FOR ANY CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS AFTER INITIAL DEPOSIT.

PAYMENT PLAN: pay a little at a time and make your trip more affordable.

After paying a deposit of $500 online to reserve your spot, you can pay your balance in as many installments as you like, with a minimum of $100 for each transaction with no fee. Please indicate booking number on your check payment. If you prefer to pay installments by credit card, please call us at 800-638-7640 for details. (All prices reflect a cash discount. There is a 4% processing fee for any payments made by credit card after initial deposit.) The total tour cost (land, and air if applicable) must be paid in full at least 90 days before departure.

INSURANCE: We highly recommend travel insurance. You can get a quote and purchase online through Trip Assure. See the insurance link on AESU's website under Travel Tools or copy this link into your browser: https://www.tripassure.com/main/?welcome=AESU3922MD

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You have chosen to amend the arrival and/or departure date of the selected tour program. As a result, you will need to arrange additional accommodations and/or transfers service which may be done via Gate 1 Travel, where available, or independently.